Wednesday, 24 January 2018
CHILDREN across the region between the ages of six months and five years can now can get vaccinated against the flu for free, Member for Northern Tablelands Adam Marshall announced today.
Mr Marshall said the new $3.5 million influenza vaccination program offered by the NSW Government would help avoid a repeat of last year’s flu season.
“Last year NSW saw more than 12,000 confirmed cases of influenza in children under five and our region was also hit hard,” Mr Marshall said.
“This program will vaccinate more than 400,000 children across the state, boosting protection for them, their families and the broader community.
“We all know how horrendous the flu is for young and old, but it has a particularly marked impact on the youngest members of our families.
“Little children are also most likely to spread the flu so a free flu jab will not only keep them safe, but will protect others they come into contact with.”
Mr Marshall said 93.9 per cent of NSW children were vaccinated last year, up 6.3 per cent since 2010.
“Our state boasts some of the best childhood vaccination rates in Australia and this free flu jab will further protect our little ones from this potentially fatal disease,” he said.
Children who have never had a flu vaccination will need two doses, one month apart. The vaccine will cover four strains of influenza virus, two A strains and two B strains, likely to be circulating this winter.
For more information, see www.health.nsw.gov.au/immunisation